"Zoologist" is an encompassing term that can be applied to anyone who studies animals. Wildlife biologists study a small part of that -- the relationship between animals and the natural resources that support animal life, especially the effect of the environment on animal survival.

Zoologist

Zoologists study animals both in the laboratory and in their natural habitat. They learn as much about a species as possible -- everything from its origin to its diseases to its genetic traits. Zoologists have many choices about the type of animal they want to study, typically specializing on one species, such as fish, primates or cats. They can choose to study the specific behavior of one animal within the group or how a group of a species interacts. Additional specialization is possible within each animal group, such as studying the reproductive process or animal structure.

Wildlife Biologist

Wildlife biologists collect and analyze data to help explain the effect of the environment on animal populations. Study subjects can be anything from determining the effects of climate change on a plant population to the effect of human population and development that is encroaching on a forest preserve. Specialization fields within wildlife biology include animal nutrition, genetics, pollution, interaction within a group and the effect of land use on a native plant.

Education Requirements

To become a zoologist, you generally need a doctoral degree in zoology. While a major in zoology as an undergraduate is a good foundation, most zoologists specialize in their graduate work, studying, for instance, embryology or genetics. A wildlife biologist also needs a college degree. Because a wildlife biologist usually relates her findings in reports to the general public, it is helpful for anyone entering the field of wildlife biology to also study writing and communication skills, statistics and ecology.

Job Prospects

Zoologists may work inside, doing laboratory research, or outside, observing wildlife. Many zoologists work at universities and colleges, where they teach and do research. Others are employed by zoos to help with animal management or by a government to assist in areas of conservation. Typically, a zoologist will spend time in a laboratory doing research on their chosen species and writing papers on the research results. Wildlife biologists are often employed in a civil service position by a state, county or federal agency. They work with the locality to manage wildlife, sometimes working with the public by leading nature walks within parks. Wildlife biologists with an advanced degree may be able to find employment teaching classes in wildlife biology. Some large consulting firms that deal with industries in ranching, lumber, mining, and paper and chemical production hire wildlife biologists to help determine what, if any, effect the industry is having on the local environment.

About the Author

Diane Stevens' professional experience started in 1970 with a computer programming position. Beginning in 1985, running her own business gave her extensive experience in personal and business finance. Her writing appears on Orbitz's Travel Blog and other websites. Stevens holds a Bachelor of Science in physics from the State University of New York at Albany.